Yahoo Sports UFC on FOX 21 Fighter Pulled at the Last Minute for Potential Anti-Doping Violation
Despite stepping on the scale and making weight on Friday morning, UFC middleweight Adam Hunter has been pulled from Saturday's UFC on FOX 21 fight card in Vancouver.
Hunter's removal stems from a potential anti-doping violation following an Aug. 11 out-of-competition drug test ordered at the behest of the Untied States Anti-Doping Agency. While Hunter has the right to present his case before USADA determines whether or not to sanction him, there is no time to do that before fight time, thus he was removed from the card.
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That leaves Ryan Janes without an opponent and off of Saturday's event as well. Janes will, however, receive his show money, and officials will attempt to rebook him as soon as possible.
“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Adam Hunter of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on August 11, 2016,” read a UFC statement issued on Friday.
“USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.
“However, because Hunter was scheduled to compete against Ryan Janes this coming Saturday, August 27 in Vancouver, British Columbia, there is insufficient time for a full review before the scheduled bout and therefore the fight has been removed from the fight card.”
Per its standard protocol, USADA did not reveal the nature of Hunter's violation. Such information is typically withheld until the case has been adjudicated.
UFC on FOX 21: Maia vs. Condit will move forward with 10 bouts. The first prelim is now slated for 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on UFC Fight Pass.
